Wildcats Are Ready - Mentally And Physically

College basketball '90 A preview

November 23, 1989|By Beth Rhodes of The Sentinel Staff

DAYTONA BEACH — After 27 seasons at Bethune-Cookman, Coach Jack ''Cy'' McClairen will begin this season like none other he ever has - prepared.

The days of running back and forth between the football field and the basketball court, trying to separate the touchdowns from the free throws are over. This year McClairen gave up his position as assistant football coach to concentrate on basketball, and he said the results are already obvious.

''I've never been this prepared this early since I've been here,'' McClairen said. ''I think we know more about what we're trying to do this early than we ever have.

''This year I've had a chance to teach them and slow it down and quit screaming.''

The Wildcats also have something else they haven't had at the beginning of the season in several years - a full roster.

Bethune-Cookman's players have been plagued by academic problems the last several years, and it always seems inevitabe that a handful of players aren't eligible until after the end of the semester and some not even then. This year, B-CC is missing only one player because of grades, sophomore guard Ruye Glass. He also happens to be the only injured player. McClairen said he's still bothered by a shoulder injury and could require surgery.

Finishing 12-16 overall and 8-8 in the MEAC last season, the Wildcats had their best year at the Division I level. McClairen thinks if all goes right they can better it this year.

Returning starters Julious Grant, James McKinney and Chris Carter will be joined by Reggie Cunningham and Reuben Sims, who missed last season with a knee injury.

One thing hasn't changed, though, for the Wildcats. They're still missing a Division I center. Cunningham, a 6-foot-4 sophomore will be forced into the job, a position he hasn't held since his high school days before a stint in service. McClairen said Joe Parham, a 6-6 junior college transfer, shows promise but isn't ready to start at center.

McClairen is hoping to return to a fast-paced game that they haven't been able to keep up with in recent years.

''We're going to try to run,'' he said. ''If that doesn't work we'll have to resort back to that cat and mouse deal.''